Expressing surprise

"My God" and "Good God" are very strong expressions and should not be used casually; it is very offensive to many people, especially religious ones. So if you do not want to be

in trouble with a conversation partner, be carefully not to use this expression.

"So what can I say, then, to express surprise or interest?", you might ask.

Plenty, I would say. Easiest is "No!"

"John had a very bad accident last night." - "No!"

Then we have "Really?"

"Mummy, I have finished my homework already." - "Really? All your homework?"

And "Good Grief!"

"Good Grief! You must be freezing. Come in. I'll make you a hot drink."

A short question with a form of question tag can also be used for this purpose.

"Most of my friends usually play computer games until midnight on school days." - "Do they?"

"Keith is really excited about his field trip." - "Is he?"

If what you have heard causes you a big surprise, you can use a short statement that contradicts what you have just heard; although you do believe it.

"I couldn't be bothered with Frank anymore. I have found someone else so I just dumped him." - "You didn't."

Repeating part of what you have just heard or checking that you have understood is also a way to express surprise and even annoyance.

"I haven't contacted Mr Brian." - "You haven't?"

"How strange!", "How interesting!" or That's strange!", That's interesting!" are also used to express surprise and interest.

"I always have a heartburn when I get up in the morning." - "That's strange!"

"Did you know that crocodiles are gentle to their offspring but do not mind eating the ones belonging to other crocodiles?" -"That's interesting."

Or you can just say, "Interesting", "Odd", "Strange", "Extraordinary" or "Funny".

"He likes to keep wild animals." - "Odd".

And among friends or in informal situations you can just say, "No", "You're joking" or simply "I don't believe it."

"I am pregnant!" - "No, you're joking."

These are only some examples of how to express surprise. I hope this will give you enough alternatives without having to offend anybody.

"Is that true?"

By Dr English

drenglish_7@hotmail.com